Eleanor's POV
I walked out of my room and headed downstairs, my steps heavy.
The main living room was unusually full. Everyone seemed to be gathered, a silent, attentive audience. The massive screen of the wall-mounted TV was on, broadcasting some kind of formal event. The lighting was soft, the camera work elegant. A gathering of some sort.
I wondered what it was about. Everyone was in their respective seats. I noted the old patriarch wasn't present. Madam merely's eyes found mine and gestured with a slight tilt of her head for me to come sit beside her.
I walked over, the eyes of the room tracking my movement, and took the empty seat next to her.
"Weren't you told to change to a more decent outfit?" she asked, her voice low, not taking her eyes off the screen.
"I was probably deaf at the time I was told," I retorted.
She didn't react. She simply continued as if I hadn't spoken. "This broadcast is live from the Valerius Villa. You should know who the Valerius family is."
